Carissa's throat was raw from crying, and her entire face ached. Her chest was sore, too, though the pain medication helped to numb that a little. She still couldn't believe she'd been in an accident, probably totaled her car, and was now in the hospital with a concussion.

But she was alive and safe, and Bradley was still with her. Thinking he'd leave her or be upset because of what Danny forced her to do was silly. Bradley wasn't that kind of guy, and knowing she had him by ...